Funnels & Holders

Funnels and Holders are essential laboratory tools that support a wide range of filtration and transfer processes. Designed for compatibility with various filter media, these components ensure a secure, efficient setup for gravity, vacuum, or pressure-based filtration. From sterile microbiological tests to routine liquid transfers, funnels and holders streamline workflows while enhancing precision, safety, and ease of use across lab environments.

Why Funnels and Holders Are Essential

Effective filtration and liquid handling depend on stable, contamination-free setups. Funnels and holders serve as the backbone of filtration assemblies, providing structural support and ensuring optimal alignment between filters and collection vessels. Whether you’re using membrane filters for microbial testing or filter paper for general lab work, high-quality funnels and holders reduce error, prevent leaks, and support sterile, repeatable outcomes. They’re vital for ensuring the reliability of tests in microbiology, chemistry, and clinical diagnostics.

What Are Funnels and Holders?

Funnels and holders are devices that secure filter media during the separation of solids from liquids or gases. Funnels channel fluids smoothly through filters and into receiving containers, while holders keep filter membranes or discs in place under vacuum or pressure. They are made from materials such as glass, polypropylene, stainless steel, or PTFE, and come in various sizes to support volumes ranging from a few milliliters to several liters. These tools are compatible with filtration flasks, manifolds, vacuum pumps, and sample bottles.

Types of Funnels & Holders

Laboratory Funnels

Best for: Manual or gravity-based filtration and fluid transfer.
Lab funnels guide liquids through filters or into vessels with precision, minimizing spills and sample loss.

Key Features:

• Available in glass, plastic (PP or PTFE), or stainless steel.
• Fluted or smooth designs for optimal flow.
• Autoclavable options for sterile applications.
• Wide variety of diameters and stem lengths.
• Suitable for use with filter paper or membranes.

Applications:

• Transferring reagents and solvents.
• Gravity filtration with filter paper.
• Educational lab setups.
• General laboratory fluid handling.

Vacuum Filter Holders

Best for: Secure membrane filtration using vacuum suction.
These holders clamp or seal membrane filters during vacuum filtration of liquids or gases.

Key Features:

• Designed for 25 mm, 47 mm, or 90 mm membrane filters.
• Stainless steel, glass, or autoclavable plastic construction.
• Leak-proof seals with silicone or PTFE gaskets.
• Easy disassembly for cleaning and reuse.
• Compatible with vacuum pumps and filtration flasks.

Applications:

• Microbial testing of water and beverages.
• Clarifying cell culture media.
• Sterile filtration of buffers and reagents.
• Environmental analysis in field or lab settings.

Buchner Funnels

Best for: Vacuum filtration with filter paper.
Buchner funnels are flat-bottomed funnels with perforated plates designed to support filter paper during vacuum filtration.

Key Features:

• Made from porcelain, plastic, or glass.
• Wide base for fast filtration under suction.
• Chemical-resistant and durable.
• Compatible with filter flasks and adapters.
• Autoclavable for reuse in sterile processes.

Applications:

• Analytical chemistry workflows.
• Crystallization or precipitate collection.
• Organic compound separation.
• Filtration of high-volume or viscous liquids.

Manifold Filter Holders

Best for: Multi-sample filtration in microbiology or water testing labs.
Manifold systems allow multiple samples to be filtered simultaneously using individual funnels and filter units.

Key Features:

• Accommodates 3–6 filtration units.
• Central vacuum source for all positions.
• Easy on/off valve control for each port.
• Stainless steel or autoclavable plastic builds.
• Ideal for high-throughput environments.

Applications:

• Water and beverage microbiological testing.
• Pharmaceutical sample processing.
• Laboratory batch processing.
• Parallel environmental or chemical testing.

When to Use Funnels & Holders

• During filtration of samples requiring support for filter media.
• When transferring liquids without contamination or spillage.
• For vacuum or gravity-based filtration setups.
• When handling sensitive or hazardous chemicals that require stable filtration systems.
• In high-throughput environments needing simultaneous sample processing.

How to Use Funnels & Holders

1. Select the appropriate funnel or holder based on filter type and volume.
2. Insert filter paper or membrane into the funnel or holder’s support area.
3. Secure the device over a compatible flask or collection container.
4. Apply vacuum, pressure, or gravity as required by your method.
5. Monitor flow rate and integrity of the seal during filtration.

Key Features of Funnels & Holders

• Durable, chemical-resistant materials for compatibility with acids, solvents, and biofluids.
• Secure filter retention ensures accurate, uninterrupted filtration.
• Variety of sizes and configurations supports everything from small-volume prep to bulk processing.
• Reusable and autoclavable options for sterile or regulated environments.
• Adaptability to vacuum systems and lab glassware streamlines setup across lab types.

Benefits of Funnels & Holders

Funnels and holders improve efficiency, precision, and safety in filtration workflows. They provide secure support for filter materials, reduce handling errors, and help maintain sterile environments. Whether used for microbiological testing, chemical processing, or educational demos, they enhance lab productivity and ensure consistent, high-quality results. With reusable and disposable options available, they support both cost-efficiency and regulatory compliance.

How to Choose the Right Funnels & Holders

• Determine your filtration method: gravity, vacuum, or pressure.
• Select compatible filter media: match size and format (e.g., 47 mm membranes, 11 cm paper).
• Choose material based on chemical resistance: PP for basic use, PTFE or stainless steel for harsh chemicals.
• Consider sterilization needs: opt for autoclavable models if sterility is required.
• Assess volume capacity based on sample size and throughput requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the difference between a funnel and a filter holder?
A: Funnels guide fluid flow, often used with gravity filtration. Holders are designed to secure membrane filters under vacuum or pressure for sterile or analytical filtration.

Q: Can funnels and holders be autoclaved?
A: Yes. Most glass, stainless steel, and some plastic models are autoclavable. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications.

Q: What size membrane should I use with a 47 mm holder?
A: A 47 mm membrane fits perfectly. Using a slightly smaller membrane may compromise the seal.

Q: Are Buchner funnels suitable for sterile filtration?
A: While commonly used for chemical filtration, porcelain Buchner funnels aren’t ideal for sterile applications. Use sterile plastic or glass holders for that purpose.

Q: Can I use holders with more than one filter at a time?
A: Yes. Manifold systems allow multi-sample filtration simultaneously using individual filter units.

Related Products

• Membrane Filters: Compatible with vacuum filter holders and manifolds for microbial and chemical testing.
• Filter Paper: Ideal for use with gravity and Buchner funnel systems.
• Vacuum Pumps & Flasks: Power vacuum-assisted filtration setups.
• Sterile Consumables: Tubing, adapters, and connectors for safe and efficient filtration assembly.

Build your perfect filtration system with high-quality funnels and holders from MedicalEx. From manual funnels to precision vacuum filter holders, we offer durable, compatible tools for every lab environment. Shop now for trusted support in sterile, accurate filtration.